Former Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts Federally Charged After ICE Detention

Ian Roberts, the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, has been federally charged with one count of being an "illegal alien in possession of firearms," according to court records. Roberts, a native of Guyana, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last Friday. At the time of his arrest, he was found with a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. The handgun was discovered wrapped in a towel under the driver's seat of his vehicle. A subsequent search of his residence revealed additional firearms, including a loaded pistol, rifle, and shotgun, all manufactured outside of Iowa.

Roberts entered the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa that expired in 2004. He has no work authorization in the U.S., and a judge issued a final order of removal in 2024. Despite this, Roberts served as superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools since July 2023. The Des Moines School Board was unaware of his immigration status at the time of his hiring.

Following his detention, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners revoked Roberts' license to practice as a superintendent in the state. He has until October 28 to file an appeal. The Des Moines School Board placed him on unpaid administrative leave and later accepted his resignation.

Roberts appeared briefly for an initial court appearance, during which he waived his right to a detention hearing and preliminary examination. The court ordered that he be detained, noting that an immigration detainer has been lodged.

This case has raised questions about the hiring processes and background checks conducted by school districts. Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris stated, "We followed all of the steps in the process, and now I think we have to wait for the facts."

Roberts' attorney, Alfredo Parrish, has filed a motion to stay his deportation and plans to reopen his immigration case. Parrish declined to comment on Roberts' citizenship status at this time.

The situation continues to develop as federal authorities proceed with the charges against Roberts.